Explore Athens, Georgia: Things to Do, Sights to See, & More

Set about 90 minutes northeast of Atlanta, Athens is often known for its reputation as one of the South’s top college towns. And there’s no doubt the University of Georgia plays a major role in shaping the city’s culture and atmosphere. But step a little ways off campus, and you’ll find there’s much more to discover beyond the red and black. In fact, you could easily spend a full week exploring all the top things to do in Athens, Georgia. 

Take a look at just a handful of the highlights.

Visit the University of Georgia

No trip to Athens is complete without a stop at the University of Georgia (UGA), known as the birthplace of higher education in America. Start by strolling scenic paths of the North Campus to spot university legacies, like the Herty Field fountain students jump into during their first year and again at graduation. Make your way to the Special Collections Libraries, where interactive exhibits walk you through Georgia history. Don’t miss The Walter J. Brown Media Archives & Peabody Awards Collection; housing nearly 90,000 sound and moving-image recordings dating back to the 1940s; it’s the third largest broadcasting archive in the country. 

During football season, Sanford Stadium echoes with the roar of fans decked out in red and black, cheering the Bulldogs on to their next national championship. Year-round, check the school schedule for games of a variety of sports: UGA is also known for championship-caliber tennis, softball, and equestrian competitions. Hit the UGA Bookstore ahead of matches to make sure you’re properly attired in school colors.

Experience Downtown Athens

UGA’s North Campus transitions to the downtown area as you cross Broad Street. Here, you’ll find a fusion of rich history, creativity, and endless charm. Shop local boutiques, savor hearty Southern comfort food, or dive into the legendary nightlife – however you choose to treat yourself, Downtown Athens delivers.

Music 

Sometimes called the Liverpool of the South, Athens has long been known for its music scene and the talent its creative ethos has nurtured. The Athens Music Walk of Fame pays tribute to the city’s artists – like R.E.M., of Montreal, and The B-52s – via two downtown blocks of guitar pick-shaped plaques. The route leads you past some of the city’s most renowned music venues, like the historical Morton Theatre (the oldest surviving African American-built, -owned and -operated vaudeville theater in the country), the iconic and internationally revered 40 Watt Club, and the beloved Georgia Theatre, known for its out-of-this-world acoustics. Coming back after sunset and catching a show is part of the full Athens experience, so be sure to snag tickets to see big-name or local acts rock out.

On the fringes of downtown The Classic Center and Akins Ford Arena are major Athens events hubs that keep their calendars booked with national stars and regional bands year-round. Before your show, stop by the Georgia Music Collections from the University of Georgia Libraries at Akins Ford Arena for an interactive deep dive into Georgia music. See artifacts like James Brown’s cape, design your own concert venue, or play tunes with your feet on a giant keyboard. On campus and stages across the city, the University of Georgia Performing Arts Center wows audiences with everything from jazz ballet set to the works of Leonard Cohen to concerts by bluegrass legend Del McCoury.

Visual Arts and Museums

Public art lines the streets of Downtown Athens, where you’ll come across works like the Georgia Flora mural, spilling painted azaleas, camellias, and gardenias across 100 feet of wall along the Oconee Rivers Greenway. Or maybe you’ll spot the goddess Athena – the namesake of the city’s Greek counterpart – holding a pose in glowing white marble. The most notable, however, is arguably We Let the Dawgs Out, a public art exhibit featuring dozens of bulldog statues across town, each uniquely painted by local artists. 

Take things indoors at the Georgia Museum of Art; its permanent collection boasts nearly 20,000 pieces, ranging from woven-textile barnacle hand fans to paintings from Andy Warhol’s famous soup-can study. Timed-entry tickets are free but must be reserved in advance. The Lyndon House Arts Center is set in an 1856 Greek Revival home that’s a piece of art in and of itself. Wander two floors of intimate galleries showcasing rotating collections. Release your own creativity in resident artist-led classes in which you can learn to make clay bee houses, paint with iron and tannins, or dive into many other mediums. 

Discover Athens Restaurants and Culinary Experiences

Fresh ingredients, cultural pride, and passion for the culinary arts are the ingredients that make Athens a foodie’s dream destination. Down-home classics, chef-driven creations, craft breweries, and locally owned restaurants serving international cuisine set the tone for delicious overtures. Tuck into fresh buttermilk biscuits sopping with sausage gravy at Mama’s Boy, a laid-back local favorite, or take it up a notch with escargot and duck breast in a pomegranate-molasses reduction at The Expat. Tapas, Spanish meatballs, and Portuguese custard tarts are just a few of the Mediterranean flavors starring on the menu of The National. The peanut butter bacon burger at Clocked! gets rave reviews, as do the milkshakes, which come in flavors like chai latte and pumpkin pie. Ted’s Most Best serves up pizza, panini, and sandwiches in the cool setting of a converted tire garage. 

Soak Up Athens’ Outdoors and Nature

With the natural beauty surrounding the city, it's no wonder artists and musicians thrive in Athens – there’s inspiration in every blooming redbud tree and scalloped oak leaf. At the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, footpaths, many of which are accessible for wheelchairs, wind through themed gardens, the tropical conservatory, and the 2.5-acre children’s garden — an interactive wonderland for little ones. Explore the connection between art and nature as you peruse the delicate collections of the on-site Porcelain and Decorative Arts Museum. 

Dig into the history of Georgia agriculture, admire blossoming alliums that look like firework explosions, and learn which plants are native to Athens – then see if you can spot them in the wild on 5 miles of nature trails. For more wild adventures that are fun for the whole family, head to Memorial Park and Bear Hollow Zoo to visit the animals that live in this part of the state, like stocky black bears, wide-eyed owls, and even bald eagles.

Stretch your legs biking, running, or walking the Firefly Trail. The planned 39-mile rail-trail will eventually connect three Georgia counties, with 4.4 miles currently in Athens. Cross a bridge to gaze at the Oconee River from above, connect to the Oconee Rivers Greenway to make your trip longer, or sprawl out with a picnic at Dudley Park to unwind Athens style.

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